Discussion
A 3mm will be warmer than a 2mm....
There is no right or wrong answer. Down in Cornwall today you could surf in board shorts and sunglasses. In Scotland today you would still want a 5mm wet suit. Just personal preference, location, temperature you want to use it in, how much movement you want etc.
Do you need a wetsuit for kyacking?
There is no right or wrong answer. Down in Cornwall today you could surf in board shorts and sunglasses. In Scotland today you would still want a 5mm wet suit. Just personal preference, location, temperature you want to use it in, how much movement you want etc.
Do you need a wetsuit for kyacking?
Depends on your tolerance for cold and how wet you normally get - If I'm on the sea I'll normally have a cag on of some sort or maybe a rash vest if it's really warm and I'm close to the shore. If it's a bit colder I normally put on a helly base layer underneath the cag as well. I personally wouldn't use a t-shirt because it doesn't cover much more than a long john anyway, and won't offer any protection if it's wet. I'd much rather a shorty cag that at least keeps the wind off and (pretends to) stop water running down to your armpits...
a wet suit doesnt sound very comfortable for Kayaking, they are horrible for long periods of time when dry, and very movement restrictive, especially if you are getting all sweaty paddling, especially when the idea of sea kayaking is not to fall in the oggin.
Would have thought Cag / dinghy sailing spray suit sort of gear and some good under-layers would work better with a PFD of course. (HSE first)
Would have thought Cag / dinghy sailing spray suit sort of gear and some good under-layers would work better with a PFD of course. (HSE first)
For kayaking you definitely need an armless 'farmer John' style of suit. Wetsuits with arms rub terribly under the arms with a kayaking stroke, you'll be red raw after a few miles.
Always dress for immersion when kayaking anywhere other than close to the beach - hypothermia is no joke and can happen in the summer in the UK. 3mm is ok for warm June-September days, but you'll want 5mm or 6mm for colder paddles, or preferably a drysuit if you're going any real distance in the cold.
The other thing to consider with wetsuits is if they have proper sealed seams. Cheapies made from many different panels with crap seams aren't much use in the cold.
Roll the boat and have to wet exit? Sea got a bit choppier while you were out? You could find it bloody difficult to get back in the boat. You'll be VERY glad of a quality suit then.
Always dress for immersion when kayaking anywhere other than close to the beach - hypothermia is no joke and can happen in the summer in the UK. 3mm is ok for warm June-September days, but you'll want 5mm or 6mm for colder paddles, or preferably a drysuit if you're going any real distance in the cold.
The other thing to consider with wetsuits is if they have proper sealed seams. Cheapies made from many different panels with crap seams aren't much use in the cold.
Roll the boat and have to wet exit? Sea got a bit choppier while you were out? You could find it bloody difficult to get back in the boat. You'll be VERY glad of a quality suit then.
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